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TE KURA KAUPAPA MĀORI O BERNARD FERGUSSON

A TO Z HANDBOOK

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AN INFORMATION HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS, SUPPORT STAFF,

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND VISITORS

ABSENCES

When a student is absent from kura we would appreciate a parent/caregiver either ringing the kura

office to explain the absence or sending a note explaining the absence with the student on their

return to kura.

Teachers must inform the principal when they will be absent from kura and complete an application

for leave form i.e. date leave requested, type of leave applied for, name of reliever.

ACCIDENTS

Any student who suffers an injury in the playground or classroom that requires some form of first

aid must be accompanied by a staff member on duty to the sickbay and treated according to the

nature of the injury.

There are disposable gloves available in the sickbay medical supplies cupboard. These must be worn

when treating any injuries involving the discharge of blood.

The first aid register in the administration office must be filled in correctly.

In the event of a student sustaining a major injury e.g. fractured limb, seek the assistance of another

colleague and inform the principal/deputy principal as soon as it is possible.

AFTER KURA CARE

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson does not offer any after kura care for children. The

kura grounds are usually clear of children by 3.45 p.m. If there are children still at kura after this

time they should be questioned as to whether or not they require any assistance.

ANCILLARY STAFF

All employees who are not registered teachers are considered to be ancillary staff (or support staff).

All are employed under the conditions of the current Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement.

ASSEMBLIES

Kura assemblies are held every Monday morning at 8.40am and every Friday afternoon at 2.45pm

under the pīruru (Te Rongokoekoea) weather permitting. If the weather is inclement the assembly

will be held in Kimikimi (the hall).

The kaiwhakahaere of the week is responsible for the running of the assembly.

The junior or senior syndicate can opt to have an assembly at any other time of the week as required.

ASSOCIATE TEACHING

From time to time a teacher may undertake associate-teaching duties. This will involve the teacher

working closely with a teacher trainee from a NZQA accredited teacher training institution.

All registered teachers can apply to become an associate teacher. The current reimbursement figure

is $2,000 p.a.

ASSESSMENT EVALUATION AND RECORD KEEPING

All teachers are expected to keep accurate assessment records of each and every child in their care.

These must be updated at regular intervals or when and where required by the syndicate leaders.


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The methods of recording assessment data and other information must be in accordance with agreed

kura policy.

REQUIREMENTS FOR USING AN ELECTRONIC ATTENDNACE REGISTER (eAR)

Schools must comply with the following attendance management requirements when using an eAR:

1. students must be marked absent or present during the course of every school day as required by

the Act and Regulations (attendance must be marked mornings and afternoons)

2. attendance must be marked during class time by the teacher with the students in front of them

3. all absences must be appropriately coded in the SMS (entering an explanation in the comment

section of the SMS is good practice)

4. all unexplained absences must be followed up and reported to parents and caregivers as soon as

possible

5. as soon as an unexplained absence is resolved, the SMS must be updated with the appropriate code

(entering an explanation in the comment section of the SMS is good practice)

6. school management must follow up instances where attendance is not marked by the teacher

responsible and address the matter in an appropriate and timely manner

7. students with continuous and/or regular absences must be identified and monitored.

8. You must take the register before 9.30 in the morning and again before 1.00 in the afternoon. You

only need to mark the students who are not here

9. Mark the register before you send the children to another class

10. You must put in a code for every child who is not here (these can be found on the help tab at the

top of the page).

Below are the codes that can be used to explain an absence.

Code Reason (Business Rule) Explanation

? Unknown reason (A temporary code) This is the initial entry for a student not in class and the reason is unknown.

It will be edited as relevant information becomes available about the reason

for the non-attendance. If required, the SMS can be set by the school to

automatically change the '?' code to a T after a configurable number of school

days (e.g. 7)

P Present Student is in his/her regular class (this includes supervised study)

L Student Late for class School policy will determine when this code is used. E.g. School policy may

recommend that a student more than 10 minutes late is coded "L". Note this

code does not contribute to a school's absence or truancy rate.

S Sickbay Student is known to be in the school's sickbay

D Medical Appointment - doctor or

dentist

Current legislation means this type of absence is counted as present for ½ day

summaries. There must be documentation verifying the appointment. This code

is not to be used for a stay in hospital. Use code "M"

I Internal school appointment or activity

- Dean, DP, sports administrator or

coach, attendance officer

This can include students who are out of class for various school appointments

including: form teachers, dean, senior management, counsellor, sports

administrator, coach, nurse, careers, as well as students on an administration

activity such as messenger, collecting attendance etc. It does not include a

student who has been removed from his/her regular class and sent to the


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administration area for disciplinary reasons. This student would be coded P in

the class and the code would probably be changed to R by the senior staff

member dealing with the student.

E Student is absent with an Explained,

but unjustified reason

The explanation for the absence is accepted by the school as the reason for

the absence, but the reason does not fit within the school's policy as a

justifiable reason to take the student off school (even though the parents

may consider the absence was justified and may have provided a written

explanation) e.g. "Molly had to stay home to look after her younger brother"

or "we went for a two week family holiday in the South Island" This includes

overseas absence not approved by the principal (a parent's note does not

provide justification)

M Student absent due to short-term

illness/medical reasons

Student is at home, or in hospital, because of illness or other medical reason.

Depending on school policy a medical certificate may be requested for

prolonged illness e.g. three days, or as policy requires.

J Justified absence - reason for absence

within the school policy Unplanned absences such as a bus breakdown, accident, road closure,

extreme weather conditions

Planned non-attendance such as national/local representation in a

sporting or cultural event in New Zealand or overseas. (See also Code O)

Approved absence (including overseas) can also include bereavement,

visiting an ill relative, exceptional family circumstances or a Section 27

T No information provided - truant (or

throw-away explanation)

An absence where no verifiable explanation is received, or the explanation is

trivial (throw-away):

I didn't feel like mathematics so I took the period off

I had to finish an important assignment

I went down to the river

I went to the shops

we had a test and I wasn't ready for it

V Examination or Unsupervised Study -

student is on the school-site

Students sitting examinations at school (if the SMS can provide attendance

marking during exams.) Unsupervised study - school process verifies student

is on the school-site. Note that supervised study is recorded as a regular

timetabled class.

X Exam leave Unsupervised study -

student is off-site

Code X will count as a justified absence and contributes to ½ day absence

summaries. Note that supervised study is recorded as a regular timetabled class.

N On a school based activity A school-based (on-site) activity.

cultural/sporting presentation/practice including swimming/athletic sports

one to one tuition either as tutor or tutored

Q Attending an off-site school-organised

activity such as trip/camp

A school-organised off-site activity including overseas

school trip (sporting, cultural or academic)


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school camp

W Work experience Student is working for a recognised employer as part of their course

(Gateway is an example)

R Removed (temporarily) from regular

class (internal school student isolation)

This code is for students who for a time period had an arrangement for

alternative supervision, that may be in the administration corridor or in

another teacher's class, instead of the regular scheduled class

O Justified overseas A student accompanying or visiting a family member who is on an overseas

Posting e.g. military or diplomatic. Other approved (justified) overseas

absence is coded "J". If the absence is unapproved, it is coded "E".

K Attending a teen parent unit The student is not in class, is on the school roll but funded elsewhere

A Attending alternative education The student is not in class, is on the school roll but funded elsewhere

Y Attending an activity centre The student is not in class but in an approved environment for which the school

is entitled to be funded

F Attending an off-site course/class The student is not in class but is on a legitimate off-site school-based course

H Attending a health camp/regional

health school/residential school

The student is not in class but in an approved environment for which the school

is entitled to be funded

C Student is attending Justice Court

proceedings

Under existing legislation this type of absence is deemed to be Present when

calculating ½ day summaries

U Student is stood down or suspended Student is stood down or suspended according the conditions of Section 14 of

the Education Act 1989 (This code is for the period of the stand down/suspension.

It does not include the day the stand down was imposed)

AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT

The kura has a range of audio visual equipment to complement the delivery of classroom

programmes. The larger items are stored in the storage room and the photocopying room in the main

administration block.

All teaching staff have access to the audio visual equipment. There is no booking system as such but

you should notify others that you wish to use a certain piece of equipment at a certain time by

writing this information on the whiteboard located in the staffroom.

Please report any damages or repairs needed to any of the AV equipment as soon as it is apparent.

BELL TIMES

8.35am Warning bell

8.40 am First period begins

9.40 am First period ends (10 minute interval)

9.50 am Second period begins

10.50 am Second period ends (10 minute interval)

11.00 am Third period begins

12.00 pm Third period ends – lunch break (first 10 minutes supervised)


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12.45 pm Warning bell

12.50 pm Fourth period begins

1.50 pm Fourth period ends (10 minute interval)

2.00 pm Fifth period begins

3.00 pm Fifth period ends – kura finishes

BERNARD FERGUSSON SCHOOL

Ngāruawāhia Primary School No. 3 opened on Monday 24th

May 1965 with 8 classrooms and a

roll of 275.

A formal approach was made to Sir Bernard Fergusson, Governor General of New Zealand and

Dependencies 1962 - 1967, to name the school after him. He agreed on 24th

September 1965 and

on April 4th

1966 he officially opened Bernard Fergusson School and became its Patron.

Bernard Fergusson School, at the behest of parents and grandparents, translated to Bernard

Fergusson Bilingual School in 1986 and to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson on 1st

February 1993.

BICYCLES

Children can ride their bicycles to kura but they must wear an approved safety helmet when doing

so and they must abide by the road code.

There are bike stands strategically placed at kura for children to park their bikes. A bike lock is

highly recommended for the obvious reason.

Children are not permitted to ride their bikes around the kura.

BILINGUAL PROGRAMME

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson delivers a bilingual programme. Students are totally

immersed in Māori for the first five years, after which all Y6 – 8 students receive one hour of formal

English language instruction per day. This arrangement has led to high levels of achievement in

both Māori and English for most students in our school. Performance in English in particular is

consistently at higher levels than many Māori students experience in an English only programme.

As reported by Ministry of Education (2004), in the information booklet Bilingual education in

Aotearoa/New Zealand: Key findings from bilingual/immersion education: indicators of good

practice, being able to read and write well in two languages is associated with wider academic

success.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES (2013)

Hemi Rau Elected parent representative/chairperson

Jules Numanga Minutes secretary/staff representative

Paul W Royal Principal

Kia Manawanui Rhind Elected parent representative

Kiri Morgan Elected parent representative

Ruhe Matenga Elected parent representative

Fiona Morgan Elected parent representative

Charlie Vertsappen Treasurer (seconded)

BUDGETS AND FINANCE

All accounts for payment are collated monthly and approved for payment at the monthly Board of

Trustees’ meeting.


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Reconciliation of the BOT’s accounts are collated monthly and approved at the BOT’s monthly

meeting.

All purchases must use a kura order number (available on request from the office administrator).

Teachers who have budget responsibilities are the only people who can approve purchases made

from that particular budget code.

The purchase of goods or services worth $500.00 or more must have the principal’s approval.

No purchases can be made once the annual budget allocation has been exceeded.

The collection of monies for educational visits/shows and sports trips must be paid directly to the

kura office.

Till receipts are held for any monies paid and are available on request.

CARVED KURA SIGN

Warren McGrath, a local carver, was commissioned to carve the top half of the kura sign at the

end of 1992/beginning of 1993.

Kereti Rautangata, a local master carver, was commissioned to complete the bottom half of the

carved kura sign that stands at the front of the kura in 1999.

The sign was erected on the road frontage by Leo Muru and dedicated by Rewi Graham in 2004.

CARVED ENTRANCE POU TO ‘TAINAMAU’

Marty Ryan was commissioned in 2010 to carve the two pou adorning the entrance to the

administration area (Tainamau). They were installed by Warren McGarth and blessed by Koro Leo

Muru in the presence of Heeni ‘Bobbin’ Katipa on the morning on 14th

December 2011.

The left hand pou depicts former governor generals of Aotearoa from the Fergusson Clan.

The right hand pou signifies is the carver’s interpretation of Te Puea’s tongi mahia te mahi hei

painga mō te iwi and signifies kia tupara te hoe (row in unison).

In the middle of the pare above is the kura tohu originally designed by Inia ‘Boy’ Te Wiata. The at

left hand end of the outstretched arms is a bumble bee denoting industriousness and at the right

hand end is a tatā (bailer) denoting the ability to dip into the puna of education as often and as

many times as one wants to.

CHARTER

The original kura charter was formulated in 2004 for the period 2004 – 2006.

An updated 2013 - 2015 charter will be submitted to the Ministry of Education by 31st March

2013.

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

Teachers are encouraged to keep their classrooms clean, tidy and attractive. Children’s work

should be displayed wherever possible and these displays should be changed regularly.

Displays should not hinder the exit points of any classroom.


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CLASSROOM ROUTINES

Teachers should have set routines for children for any manner of things in their classroom. It is

recommended that these routines be adhered to.

All good behaviour should be rewarded appropriately to encourage continued good behaviour.

Common sense will usually suffice when faced with an unknown or difficult situation. However,

collegial support is encouraged, so do not be afraid to ask for help.

CLASS TRIPS

The kura has a set policy on educational visits. This should be strictly adhered to for the safety of

the children and accompanying adults including teachers.

A Safety Action Plan (SAP) must be completed and approved for all trips.

CLASSROOM CONSUMABLES

Children can purchase consumables from the kura office before kura begins and during intervals.

At the beginning of the year the office administrator distributes to each classroom teacher a supply

of consumables free of charge for their own personal use. Any further consumables can be

purchased from the office.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Teachers and other adults in the kura must model the behaviours expected of the students at all

times e.g. standard of dress, use of appropriate language, conversing in Māori.

All staff are required to read and sign the code of conduct promulgated by the New Zealand

Teachers’ Council.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

A newsletter (usually weekly) is distributed to parents/caregivers and key stakeholders within the

community via the children and by e-mail.

Parents are always welcome and encouraged to talk with any member of the teaching staff

including the principal, about any concern that they have about the welfare of their child or the

kura as a whole. However, parents who have a gripe against a teacher and/or student must address

their concern to the principal in the first instance. A parent must not be allowed to confront a

teacher or child in class in front of the other students.

Student-led parent interviews usually take place over the last two weeks of term two or first two

weeks of term three.

Reporting to parents will be in written form at the end of term 2 and term 4.

The contents of any letter of concern from a parent will be made known to those on a need-to-

know basis and dealt with appropriately.

All notes home to parents about any kura activity should have the appropriate authorisation.

COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE KURA

Staff meetings occur every Monday afternoon from 3.10 p.m. – 4.10 p.m.

Syndicate meetings are scheduled for every alternate Tuesday or Wednesday or at the discretion of

the syndicate leaders.


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All other notices are written on the whiteboard in the staffroom including events for the current

and forthcoming week.

Playground duties are also listed on the notice board in the staffroom.

A term planner is usually distributed to each staff member in the first week of each term.

COPYRIGHT

Teachers should respect any copyright laws when photocopying or copying teaching resources.

Failure to do so may result in fines being imposed.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Be acutely aware that corporal punishment is an illegal offence and is punishable through the court

system. If at any time you reach breaking point you should send for the principal or a trusted

colleague immediately. Your career is at stake!

CORPORATE LIFE OF THE KURA

It is generally accepted that to be a part of the kura and its community one should participate in

kura based or even community based activities as often as possible.

Being seen at local events e.g. Regatta, Coronation, Poukai, is important in building and

maintaining a good relationship with the children and members of the community.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The principal, deputy principal and/or assistant principal must be informed immediately of any

major crisis whether it is in the classroom or outside in the playground.

Each case will be dealt with on its merits. Outside agencies will be brought in to assist if that is

what is required.

Parents who have a gripe against a teacher and/or student must address their concern to the

principal in the first instance. A parent must not be allowed to confront a teacher or child in front

of the other students.

If the safety of a teacher or student is at risk you must send for the principal immediately.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

There are other occasions when the whole kura or part of the kura will be involved in cultural

activities at Turangawaewae Marae or elsewhere.

CURRICULUM COVERAGE

All teachers are required under the National Education Guidelines to provide a balanced

curriculum to all students using the Marautanga o Aotearoa document.

All teachers are required to furnish a term plan to their respective syndicate leaders in the first

week of each new term.

All planning should reflect curriculum document achievement objectives for each appropriate

level.

CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS

If any teacher is unsure of the custodial arrangements of any one of their charges, she/he should

check with the office administrator before allowing any parent/caregiver to remove a child from

kura.


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DENTAL CARE

Although there is a dental clinic on site, the kura does not have a permanent dental technician. A

mobile clinic is on site for a short period of time (approximately 8 - 10 weeks) during term 3 or 4.

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS

Teachers are expected to have systems in place to deal with minor classroom misbehaviour.

Serious breaches of generally acceptable standards of behaviour should be directed to the principal

who will deal with each case on its ‘merits’. A written report about the incident should be

completed as soon as possible and forwarded to the principal.

Serious cases of misbehaviour will be dealt with under the new Guidance for Principals and

Boards of Trustees on Stand-downs, Suspensions, Exclusions and Expulsions June 2003.

An incident book in which to record serious incidents that occur either in the classroom or the

playground is held in the office.

DUTY ROSTER

A duty roster is on display on the notice-board in the staffroom. All relief teachers and/or

classroom supervisors should check the board on arrival at kura to see whether or not she/he is

required to do playground duty.

Teachers on duty are responsible in the first instance to provide first aid for any student who has

been injured in a playground accident.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Each classroom block has displayed in a prominent place an emergency evacuation procedure in

the event of a fire or some other calamity. All kura personnel should familiarise themselves with

these procedures.

Emergency fire evacuation drills will be held once a term.

END OF TERM TASKS

During the final week of each term some instructions will be written on the whiteboard in the

staffroom indicating what the cleaners’ requirements are for each classroom block in regard to the

stacking of furniture and the clearing of wall displays.

FACSIMILE

All staff have access to the facsimile machine which is an integrated function of the photocopier.

All kura related facsimiles will be paid for by the kura. All personal (toll) facsimiles must be

recorded in the tolls book located on the desk in the administration office.

Facsimiles addressed to you will be posted in your mailing box or handed to you personally.

FURNITURE

It is expected that teachers will in their general classroom teaching instruct students on how to take

care of the classroom furniture.

Defacing of kura property will not be tolerated and the culprits will be made to clean the furniture

down and/or make restitution for any damages incurred.

As part of the kura’s property maintenance plan, classroom furniture will be replaced on a

planned upgrade programme.


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GEORDIE RAUKAWA FERGUSSON

Only son of Sir Bernard and Lady Laura Fergusson, who succeeded his father as Patron of the

kura in 1981.

His term as British High Commissioner to New Zealand ended in May 2010.

Accorded a chieftainship by Ngāti Raukawa when he was an eleven years old.

HANDLING OF BLOOD

In dealing with any injury, all children should be treated as if they have a blood-borne virus.

Wear disposable gloves for treating any injury.

HEATING

The kura has a heating system that is usually sufficient for all but the very coldest of conditions. It

is activated automatically so that the classrooms are heated by the time that the children arrive for

class.

Please ensure that there is sufficient ventilation open to allow fresh air to circulate about the

classroom without losing too much heat.

HOURS OF WORK

Teachers are expected to arrive at kura by 8.15 a.m. at the latest and depart from kura at 3.30 p.m.

or sometime thereafter but not before.

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS (IEPs)

Children identified with learning challenges may well require an IEP to further their education. An

IEP is usually drawn up in consultation with the classroom teacher, the parents of the child, any

specialist that may be involved in the child’s learning and any other interested party.

The IEP is specifically designed to address the learning needs of a particular child.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)

All students have access to the computer pod (25 workstations). A timetable is on display in the

staffroom and in the computer pod.

Ensuring teacher capability is an ongoing professional development objective.

INSURANCE

All kura personnel paid by the kura’s payroll service have ACC cover provided by the Ministry of

Education.

KAPA HAKA

Kapa haka is an integral component of this kura and from time to time the kapa may compete in

competitions both at local and national level. However, competing is the not the prime motivation,

it is more to instill in the students the joy and pleasure of being adept at one of the more

recognizable forms of Māori performing arts.

Waru Roberts, Hira Hona, Te Kura Ormsby and Erana Rau are the current kapa haka tutors

KEYS

Each classroom teacher has keys to gain entry to most buildings in the kura.


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The caretaker has keys to all areas of the kura.

KOPAPA

Wesley Dixon, a well-known local identity, made and presented a fibreglass kopapa to the kura in

March 1990.

“KUA MATE TE MOTU I TE HOARIRI WHAKAWAI”

He tongi nā Pōtatau Te Wherowhero. He whakatau nāna mō Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te hoariri

whakawai, i mahi huna ai te iwi Pākehā, te kawanatanga o te motu, ki ngā iwi Māori. Te mutunga

iho ko te muru raupatutanga o Waikato te Kaikawe o te Kīngitanga (Nā Ngāhinaturae tēnei

tuhinga).

A challenge issued by Ngāhinaturae Manihera at Te Kauhanganui (Hopuhopu) on Friday 6th

October 2006, for all kura within Waikato to be vigilant against the ‘sword of deception’ and

remain steadfastly committed to the values embodied in Kīngitanga.

LIBRARY

The library is an important resource centre of the kura. It is managed by a librarian.

The library is currently undergoing a system upgrade. Once the new system is in place staff and

students will be able to access a complete up-to-date database of all books.

LOST PROPERTY

There is a lost property bin located in the sports shed. All unclaimed items are deposited in this

bin. Usually at the final assembly of the term the items are spread out and children are asked to

reclaim their lost property. Unclaimed kura uniform items are usually given to those in need and

all other items are deposited in a clothes collection bin.

Parents/caregivers can at any time inspect the lost property bin.

It is strongly recommended that parents/caregivers clearly mark with vivid felt pen all items of

clothing so that ownership can easily be established. It is not unusual to find a number of brand

new kura jerseys with no identifying marks on.

LUNCHES

The kura does not provide a daily lunch purchase system. However, students are able to purchase a

Subway lunch every Wednesday to be delivered lunchtime Thursday.

MARKING CHILDREN’S WORK

There is a general expectation that children’s work will be marked on a regular basis so that

feedback can be given to the child on their learning.

The most useful feedback of course is that which is immediate. Therefore, there will be occasions

when children’s books will be marked immediately following an activity.

MEDIA

Any media enquiry should be directed to the principal who will then seek advice if necessary and

decide how best to respond.

MEDICATION

Any child taking medication throughout the kura day e.g. antibiotics, must first make application

to the classroom teacher for approval. This application should be accompanied with a note from a

parent/caregiver.

Students must not be administered any medication e.g. disprin, paracetemol.


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MEETINGS

Teaching staff meetings take place every Monday from 3.10 p.m. – 4.10 p.m.

Syndicate meetings take place as directed by the syndicate leader.

The BOT meets the third Monday of every month from 6.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission/vision/purpose statement is one of Te Puea’s tongi:

“Mahia te mahi hei painga mō te iwi”

This interpretation of the tongi was given by Mamae Takerei (17th

October 2006):

“Work for the betterment of the people”

I believe that this tongi of Te Puea's is the principle saying which re-enforces the following:

Manaakitia te iwi i.e. always provide hospitality (in the first instance for and to the people)

Whangaingia te tangata i.e. the people must be fed no matter who they are or where they are

from

Kia mau ki te aroha me te rangimarie i.e. when all else fails, hold fast to the value of aroha,

peace and good will.

Te Puea's determination to uphold the wishes of her uncle and mother is captured in the key

principle. Forced by Mahuta to take responsibility of the people and provide for their needs; her

mother Tiahuia's death bed wish to her was to care for the people.

Waikato and Kingitanga

As a landless people all we had left was our faith that kept Waikato iwi strong. Waikato's belief in

this faith called "Kingitanga" became its salvation.

MONEY

Teachers are advised not to leave large amounts of personal money in the classroom. Money can

be left with the administration officer. Students are advised to do the same.

NOTES FROM PARENTS

Notes from parents e.g. an explanation of absence from kura, should be dated and filed and kept in

a safe place for at least that term.

MURAL FOR TŪRANGAWAEWAE MARAE

Students, teachers and parents of Bernard Fergusson School worked under the expert tutelage of

renowned Māori artist Arnold Wilson in 1983, to design and create a mural to present to Te

Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu for Turangawaewae Marae.

The mural was presented on 30th

November 1983 and still adorns the walls of Kimiora along with

those from other Waikato primary and secondary schools.

OFFICIAL RECORDS

All official records are confidential and are accessible to only registered and certificated teachers

and the office secretary.


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Teachers and support staff must respect the confidentiality of some information that they may be

privy to in the natural course of carrying out their assigned duties.

Following the appointment of new staff, all curriculum vitae must be returned to applicants once

an appointment has been made.

PARENT HELPERS

From time to time there will be parent helpers in the kura. Please make them feel welcome and

valued. They are perhaps our greatest asset in our efforts to effect a positive change in our kura

community.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

All personal belongings should be well marked.

You are responsible for any personal belongings that you bring on to the kura premises.

It is highly recommended that you do not bring items of high monetary value to kura.

PERSONAL FILES

Every staff member has an individual personnel file in the main filing cabinet in the kura office.

A staff member may ask to view her/his file, however, the file must not be removed from the

administration block and contents must not be removed from the file.

Each file contains originals of performance agreements, job descriptions and appraisal

performance notes and other relevant personal information that the principal may see fit to place

on file.

PHOTOCOPYING

Each staff member is allocated a PIN number for the photocopier.

Staff members are encouraged to be thrifty in their use of the photocopier. Excessive use of the

photocopier will result in a reduction of allowable paper use.

Staff members may purchase their own reams of paper to use if they wish.

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Teachers are expected to spend time planning and preparing work for their class.

The syndicate leader must sight all long-term plans within the first week of each term.

All long-term plans must reflect curriculum document achievement aims and objectives.

Planned teaching episodes and giving children the time to learn will effect the biggest change in

children’s achievement levels.

POU HAKI

The pou haki in the quadrangle was carved by past student Wiremu Joseph, honours graduate of

the Whakarewarewa Carving Kura in Rotorua and son of JJ (Jimmy Joseph), respected kaumatua

of Tūrangawaewae Marae now deceased.

The pou is a memorial to Sir Bernard Fergusson. It was dedicated by The Venerable Archdeacon

Tiki Raumati in the presence of Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu and Tūwharetoa Paramount Chief

Tā Hepi Te Heuheu on 28th

November 1981, exactly one year to the day after Sir Bernard

Fergusson’s untimely death.


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PŌWHIRI

From time to time visitors will be formally welcomed to our kura. The principal along with other

nominated staff members will be responsible for organizing the pöwhiri and ensuing programme.

Staff members should be appropriately attired.

RECYCLING

Efforts to recycle waste materials are be encouraged under the wider philosophy of taking better

care of Papatūānuku.

RESOURCE TEACHER OF LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR (RTLB)

Tinirau Barlow is the RTLB based at our kura. She services a cluster of kura including Rangiriri

and Rakaumangamanga. Her role is to assist teachers in the classroom with children who are

having learning and behaviour difficulties.

REWARDING STUDENTS

We should reward our students for good work whenever we can. The ‘shape’ of the reward can be

left to the discretion of individual teachers keeping in mind our push for healthier eating choices.

Good work should be recognized and rewarded at each and every kura assembly.

SCHOOL CREST

The crown of Queen Elizabeth II is over all.

The Christian cross is central.

The book denotes learning.

The Scotch thistle and the bee are the personal insignia of Lord Ballantrae (the bee has to be

industrious to achieve sweet success).

Korotangi is the ancient and sacred talisman that travelled to Aotearoa on the Tainui waka.

The poutama are a traditional design depicting the upward journey to heaven.

‘Kia Kaha Katoa’ is a call for all to show strength together (composed by Mamae Takerei).

SCHOOL HOURS

School hours for children are from 8.40 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. Monday – Friday unless otherwise

notified.

SCHOOL SONG

Composed by Mamae Takerei (the short tauparapara at the beginning was composed by Pumi

Taituha).

A bilingual song urging people to work together to be strong.

SIR BERNARD FERGUSSON (1911 - 1980)

Brigadier the Right Honourable Lord Ballantrae of Auchairne and Bay of Islands; Knight of the

Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle; Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished

Order of St. Michael and St. George; Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order; Distinguished

Service Order; Order of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; Knight of Justice of St.

John; Colonel of the Black Watch Regiment; First Honourary Doctorate of the University of

Waikato.


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The Governor General of New Zealand and Dependencies from 1962 – 1967.

Sir Bernard’s grandfather Sir James was Governor from 1873 – 1874; Sir Bernard’s father Sir

Charles was Governor General from 1924 – 1930; and Lady Laura Fergusson’s father (David

Boyle 7th

Earl of Glasgow) was Governor from 1892 – 1897.

The Kāhui Ariki and the Fergusson family have held close ties for over 100 years. The friendship

started in 1874 when Sir James Fergusson, Governor of New Zealand arrived by ceremonial waka

to meet King Tawhiao at Ngāruawāhia.

SIR BERNARD FERGUSSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Established by and announced at a commemorative gala dinner in Kimiora on 28th

November

1981 by Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu (a memorial flagpole at Bernard Fergusson School was

dedicated earlier that day).

The scholarship is awarded to undergraduates of Tainui descent studying at the University of

Waikato and is administered by Te Arikinui’s appointees.

SMOKING

Our kura is a totally smoke and tobacco free kura. Staff members who need to smoke may do so

off site.

We are optimistic that the stance of some will have some positive flow-on effect on the students of

our kura.

SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION EQUIPMENT

All sports and physical education equipment is housed in the sports shed.

All teachers have a key to the sports shed.

There is no booking system as such for the equipment. If you require equipment for a special

occasion or lesson you should write your requirements and details on the whiteboard in the

staffroom.

STAFF CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS

Any staff concerns or complaints should be brought to the attention of the principal who will then

try to resolve the situation internally.

Any staff member under personal duress should speak to the principal or a trusted colleague who

will take measures to ensure that the health and safety of the staff member is addressed.

If the matter is more serious and/or a disciplinary matter then we shall abide by the disciplinary

guidelines set out in the relevant collective employment contract.

STAFFROOM

The staffroom is set aside for staff members to rest and relax during intervals and lunchtime.

Therefore, students including staff members’ own children are generally not permitted to be in the

staffroom during these times.

The staffroom must be left in a clean and tidy state at all times.

STATIONERY

The start-up beginning of the year stationery issue is free to all students. Any subsequent

stationery requirements can be purchased from the office.


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Stationery can only be purchased from office before kura begins and during the interval breaks.

STUDENT DUTIES

From time to time students will be expected to perform assigned duties. They should be

encouraged and rewarded for showing diligence and responsibility in carrying out their duties.

The head girl and/or boy should be given opportunities to develop their leadership skills under the

watchful eye of one of the senior management team.

SUPPORT STAFF (2013)

Jules Numanga Office Administrator

Leo Muru Kaiarahi i te reo

Lucille Maru Librarian/resource officer

Waru Roberts Kaiāwhina/kapa haka tutor

Mike Taitoko Caretaker/grounds man

Maria Taitoko Cleaner

SWIMMING POOL

The kura has a swimming pool that is really only suitable for the junior kura students. It was

opened in January 1977 and dedicated by Reverend Flavell.

During the swimming season the junior kura classes are timetabled to use the pool; the middle and

senior kura walk to the town pool once a week to participate in planned water activities

TEACHING STAFF (2011)

Paul Royal Prinicpal MA (Applied), BEd, Adv Dip Tchg, Dip Biling Tchg

Le Roy Morgan DP/Y7 – 8 BSci, Dip Tchg (Secondary)

Brenda Taitoko AP/Y4 BEd, Dip Tchg

Trixie Roberts Y1 BTeach

Gabe Whitu Y2

Ariana Collier Y4/5 BA, GradDipTeach

Tania Kearns Y2 - 3 BTeach

Alex Te Moni Y5 – 6 BTeach (Science major), BA (Te Reo Māori major)

Kahu Tukere English BTeach

TELEPHONES

Telephones are located in the staffroom, the secretary’s office and the principal’s office. All

teaching and support staff have access to the telephone.

Dial 9 to access an outside line.

All kura related toll calls the kura will pay for. All personal toll calls must be recorded in the Tolls

book located in the secretary’s office and paid for accordingly.

During class time any caller wanting to speak to a teacher will be asked to phone back at an

appropriate time or a message will be taken on your behalf unless of course it is a family

emergency.

All mobile phones are to remain switched off during class time including the teacher’s. Mobile

phones may be switched on again during breaks.

Students caught using a mobile phone during class time will have the mobile phone confiscated

and it will be returned at the end of the week.


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TE REO MĀORI

All staff members must make a concerted effort to use the Māori language when on kura premises.

This is especially important when conversing with one another in front of the students.

Students ‘caught’ using Māori spontaneously should be richly rewarded. Likewise, students who

make strong efforts to converse in Mäori should be richly rewarded.

UNION AFFILIATION

All employees can opt to become members of their respective trade union and therefore be

covered by the appropriate collective employment contract.

TRAVEL

Under the terms of the Primary Teachers and Support Staff Collective Agreements, employees are

entitled to claim for travel if they use their own vehicles for kura business (see the appropriate

sections in the CA handbooks for further details). Staff members should seek approval from the

principal first.

VANDALISM

Any damage to kura property should be reported to the principal as soon as possible. This includes

during the weekend or holiday periods.

If the principal is not available the kura caretaker or chairperson of the BOT should be contacted.

VERBAL ABUSE

All teachers are reminded that verbal abuse directed at students is in direct contravention of the

expected code of conduct for teachers (including support staff) and is likely to result in

disciplinary action being taken.

VISITORS TO THE KURA

Any visitor to the kura should be made to feel welcome by extending to them the hospitality that

we are renowned for.

Students should be encouraged to give a friendly greeting to all visitors and direct them to the

office.

Any staff member seeing a visitor in the foyer should inquire as to whether or not she/he is being

seen to and act accordingly.

WAHAROA

The waharoa was carved by Hakopa Puke, Warren McGarth and others from a totara log donated

by Rongo Wetere, CEO of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. It was erected prior to the first day of the kura

opening as Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson in 1993.

The project was completed in 5 days/nights

The carvers on the project were:

Warren McGrath (head carver)

Pou Poutapu (carved the kōruru)

Paora McGrath

Craig McGrath

Wetere Poutapu

Huritau Poutapu

Kaupapa kōrero: Tamaki ki raro

Mokau ki runga

Mangatoatoa ki waenganui

Ko Pare Waikato

Ko Pare Hauraki


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Ko Te Kaokaoroa a Paatetere

This age old pēpeha was used and inscribed upon the tomokanga, and is a reference to the tribal

boundares of the Tainui iwi

The two mokomoko on the raparapa of the maihi are symbolic of the forces of life (green lizard)

and death (black lizard), and to also to remind tamariki of those who have gone before

The two taniwha that stand on the two amo commemorate the pēpeha "Ko Waikato Taniwharau,

He piko he taniwha, He piko he taniwha" and also that taniwha were known as kaitiaki-a-iwi by

our tūpuna in the Waikato rohe

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